18 May until 29 July 2005

Long famed for its safe anchorages and aesthetic beauty, Cork Harbour has been a favourite subject of artists since the eighteenth century. Crawford Municipal Art Gallery and Port of Cork Company, in celebration of Cork's designation as European Capital of Culture 2005, present an exhibition which draws together all the historical strands to tell the story of Cork Harbour from the seventeenth century to the present day.

The exhibition includes paintings, engravings and maps, as well as documentary material and artefacts from the Port of Cork Company collection, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, the Irish Naval Service, Cobh Museum and private collectors.

The exhibition is being held in the Cork Custom House, the head office of the Port of Cork. Built in 1818, the building was designed by William Hargrave for the Cork Harbour Commissioners at a time of rapid expansion of port activities. In 2005, the port is again experiencing sustained growth.

As well as documenting the history of Cork Harbour, it is hoped that this exhibition will prompt discussion and reflection on the future development of the harbour in terms of industry, recreation and the preservation of the natural environment.

A full-color catalogue (240 pages) has been published to coincide with the exhibition. It is available from the Port of Cork Company and the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday 18 May until Friday 29 July
at the Headquarters of the Port of Cork Company, Custom House Street, Cork

Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 12 to 5 pm, Sat: 11 to 4 pm

Admission is free